Giant cervicothoracic extradural arachnoid cyst: case report

Eur Spine J. 2006 Oct;15 Suppl 5(Suppl 5):595-8. doi: 10.1007/s00586-005-0041-4. Epub 2006 Feb 11.

Abstract

The pathogenesis, etiology, and treatment of the spinal arachnoid cyst have not been well established because of its rarity. A 57-year-old male was presented with spastic quadriparesis predominantly on the left side. His radiological examination showed widening of the cervical spinal canal and left neural foramina due to a cerebrospinal fluid-filled extradural cyst that extended from C2 to T2 level. The cyst was located left anterolaterally, compressing the spinal cord. Through a C4-T2 laminotomy, the cyst was excised totally and the dural defect was repaired. Several features of the reported case, such as cyst size, location, and clinical features make it extremely unusual. The case is discussed in light of the relevant literature.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arachnoid Cysts / complications
  • Arachnoid Cysts / diagnosis*
  • Arachnoid Cysts / surgery*
  • Cervical Vertebrae
  • Dura Mater / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurosurgical Procedures
  • Quadriplegia / etiology*
  • Spinal Cord Compression / etiology*
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / complications
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / surgery*
  • Thoracic Vertebrae